Mon Dec 30 01:20:00 UTC 2024: ## India Stumbles in Melbourne Test Chase; South Korea Mourns Air Crash Victims; Carter Passes Away

**Melbourne, Australia/Seoul, South Korea/Atlanta, USA –** India’s chase for a victory target of 340 runs in the Melbourne Test against Australia suffered a significant setback on day five. After reaching 112/3 at tea, India lost three more wickets in the post-tea session, leaving them teetering on the brink of defeat. Key batsmen Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, KL Rahul, Ravindra Jadeja, and Nitish Kumar Reddy all failed to make substantial contributions. Winning this match is crucial for India’s qualification to the World Test Championship final.

Meanwhile, South Korea is grappling with the aftermath of a devastating plane crash. A passenger plane crash at Muan International Airport on Sunday claimed the lives of 179 people out of 181 on board. Two crew members survived. Heartbreaking accounts emerged from grieving families, including that of a family of three who perished while celebrating the completion of a college entrance exam. The accident involved a Jaju Air flight with many passengers returning from Thailand after celebrating Christmas. The investigation is underway.

In other news, former US President Jimmy Carter passed away at the age of 100. President Biden praised Carter as a figure whose values should serve as an example for generations. Carter’s death marks the passing of the longest-lived US president.

Finally, farmers in Punjab, India, have announced a statewide shutdown for Monday, December 30th, to protest against the government’s handling of their demands. A farmer leader on hunger strike has expressed concern about a potential government crackdown on the protest.

Read More